Mt Fuji and Mt Yarigatake are the most famous Japanese mountains, and on this trip we ascend both of these iconic peaks while also taking in Japan's intriguing blend of ancient traditions and modern culture. As well as climbing Yarigatake, the 'Japanese Matterhorn', and the classic volcanic cone of Fuji, we stay in Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, with its peaceful Zen gardens and Shinto temples, spend a day futuristic Tokyo, and take a short walk on the Nakasendo Way - an ancient trading route.

Terrain: Most of the walking is on good paths, with the exception of the higher reaches of Yarigatake where scrambling is required, as is the use of fixed ropes.

Itinerary

Show detailed itinerary

1Day 1Start Kyoto.

The tour starts in Kyoto this evening. Those on the group flights will be met at Kansai Airport and transferred to Kyoto, while those who have booked land only arrangements should make their own way to the start hotel.See more images and videos

2Day 2Free day to explore the delights of Kyoto, one of Japan's ancient capitals.

With about 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a treasure house of Japan's cultural heritage and remains undoubtedly one of the most fascinating cities in Asia. Unlike many other Japanese cities it escaped the ravages of both the Second World War and modern urban development, thereby keeping intact much of the spirit and architecture of traditional Japan. Today we have the chance to explore this extraordinary city, perhaps visiting the impressive Imperial Palace grounds on a guided tour, or the famous Golden Temple of Kinkakuji, built in 1397 as a summer villa for the shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga and immortalised in Mishima Yukio's novel, 'The Golden Pavilion'. There will be time in the afternoon/evening for further sightseeing including a tour of Gion, Kyoto's entertainment area, for Geisha-spotting, or resting back at the hotel.

3Day 3Transfer by train to Nakasendo; walk a section of the ancient Nakasendo Way.

We speed our way, by train, out of Kyoto to Nagoya. From Nagoya we transfer by local train/bus to Nagiso and on to Tsumago. Tsumago is situated on the Nakasendo (Central Mountain) Way, and is the best preserved of the many staging posts. This route was used during the Edo period - 1603-1868 - as a main trading route through the mountainous inland area, between the main centres of Edo (now Tokyo) and Kyoto. Today it is not possible to walk the whole route, but some sections have been conserved. We will trek a short 5-mile stretch from the village of Magome, down the Kiso Valley, back to Tsumago.See more images and videos

Using the highly efficient Japanese transport system we transfer by road and rail to picturesque Kamikochi, via the city of Matsumoto. Our main luggage will be sent out in the morning from Tsumago to the hotel in Matsumoto where we are staying after the Yarigatake hike. Kamikochi (1500m) lies in the Chubu Sangaku National Park, and is an excellent base for explorations into the North Japanese Alps. We set out for the Yarisawa mountain hut, a gentle afternoon walk (about 4 hours in duration) starting along the valley floor, through pine and birch forest, before crossing the river and climbing the Yarisawa valley at which point the trail becomes steeper and rougher. Through the forest we may be lucky enough to glimpse a sight of some of the resident Japanese macaques. For those not wanting or unable to partake in the Yarigatake Trek, your leader can help organise accommodation in a river lodge or in Matsumoto (at extra expense). The Yarigatake Trek should only be attempted by those in good shape, with strong legs and knees.

Continuing up the increasingly steep and rocky Yarisawa Valley we ascend to the Yarigatake mountain hut, before the final pull up onto the summit of the Japanese Matterhorn - Mt. Yarigatake (Japan's fifth highest peak - 3180m). Although this is not technical, there are sections where you will need to scramble over boulders and rocks and there are snowfields that we may need to cross. The short final leg up to the summit is a very steep and challenging scramble using chains and ladders with some exposure to a steep drop - this last stretch is entirely optional and we only recommend experienced scramblers attempt it. This is a popular spot for local hikers with (on a clear day) spectacular views, including Mt Fuji to the southeast. See more images and videos

6Day 6Descend to Kamikochi, and transfer to Matsumoto with time to relax in a local hot spring.

We begin the long and steep descent from Yarigatake mountain hut, back down to Kamikochi. hopefully with time to soak the muscles in a relaxing outdoor hot spring bath (rotenburo). This early morning descent can be cold and begins very steep over broken ground. From Kamikochi we transfer to Matsumoto.See more images and videos

7Day 7Optional visit to Matsumoto Castle; transfer to Fujiyoshida, at the base of Mt Fuji.

In the morning there is an optional visit to the impressive Matsumoto Castle, a unique black castle which is one of the best preserved in Japan. Its imposing six story donjon has been designated a national treasure. Moving on from Matsumoto we transfer to the town of Fujiyoshida, situated near Lake Kawaguchi, one of the five lakes of Mt Fuji. Fuji-san is Japan's highest peak at 3776m and attracts people from all over Japan and the world to climb it. Its near perfect volcanic cone has been celebrated by artists and photographers alike over many centuries, with perhaps the most famous representations coming in the form of Katsushika Hokusai's 'Thirty Six views of Mount Fuji'. Although not a tourist town, Fujiyoshida provides a great stopping off point for climbs of Mt Fuji, and gives those on a short visit to Japan a great insight into Japanese tourist culture.See more images and videos

8Day 8Transfer to Station Five on Mt Fuji; climb slowly to Honhachigome - close to the summit of Mt Fuji.

We transfer by road to Station Five (Go-gome), from where we start our trek, on a well-marked track up to Station Eight (Hachi-gome). The walk takes about 4-5 hours, but is hard work as you cross steep volcanic scree and cinder that shifts underfoot as you ascend.See more images and videos

9Day 9An early start for sunrise at Japan's highest point; descend and transfer to Lake Kawaguchi.

An early morning start, as we set off before sunrise, for the summit of Mt Fuji. It is only in the last hundred years that people have been regularly climbing Mt Fuji; previously the mountain was considered so sacred that only pilgrims and priests were allowed to climb. The summit is not a single point, but a circular crater rim, and in 'traditional' Japanese style the top features a shrine, weather station, post office, and 24hr noodle bar! After experiencing sunrise, we descend back down to our hotel in Fujiyoshida.See more images and videos

10Day 10Free day to relax and explore.

A free day to explore and relax around the beautiful Fuji Five Lakes area. It is possible to visit Lake Sai, perhaps the quietest and least visited of the Five Lakes, or to take a short trip to Tenjo-zan where you often get a fabulous view of Lake Kawaguchi with Mt Fuji behind. For those who want to experience something of the modern and adrenalin-filled side of Japanese life, a day spent on the rollercoasters of the Fuji-Q Highland theme park is recommended!See more images and videos

11Day 11Morning transfer to Tokyo.

No visit to Japan would be complete without a trip to Tokyo. From Fujiyoshida we travel by bus, arriving around lunchtime in the capital. Situated on the banks of the Sumida River, by Tokyo Bay, Tokyo grew up out of the fishing village of Edo, becoming the centre of power in 1590. This afternoon is free to explore this bustling metropolis.See more images and videos

12Day 12Time to explore Tokyo, one of the world's most spectacular capital cities.

Today we have a free day to explore the delights of Tokyo. Making use of the city's highly efficient tube system it is possible to visit the early morning fish market in Tsukiji and Asakusa's lively temple of Senso-ji. The possibilities for evening entertainment are almost limitless with Tokyo's nightlife as exciting as anywhere in Asia.See more images and videos

13Day 13End Tokyo.

The trip ends in Tokyo this morning. Those on the group flights to London will be transferred to Tokyo airport this afternoon for the flight back to London, which arrives in the UK the following day.

Your images

Guided Group

This is a small group guided holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You have a good level of fitness and are looking for a physically challenging holiday. Previous experience is essential for activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts and 4 dinners

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (available on request for a supplement from GBP195 to cover 4 nights in Kyoto and Tokyo only)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Hotels, Mountain Huts & Guesthouse

We spend 8 nights in comfortable hotel with en suite rooms, 3 nights in mountain huts and 1 night in a Ryokan a traditional local guesthouse.

Ryokan's - while comfortable and full of local character they do not always run along the same lines as western hotels. Rooms do not generally have private facilities and bedding is generally in the Japanese style with thick futon mattresses placed on tatami mats on the floor - actually very comfortable! Bathrooms are usually communal (one for men and one for women). On occasion, it may be necessary for more than two people to share a room.

The mountain huts have shared washing facilities and can be very busy in peak trekking season, particularly on Mt Fuji, when an average of 5000 people climb to the top for sunrise each day. Sleeping in the huts will be at close quarters, and should be treated more as an opportunity for a rest during the hike than a relaxing night's sleep!

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
Most nationalities do not require a visa to visit Japan. Australian and South African passport holders do require a visa; these will usually be issued on arrival but it is worth verifying this at your embassy before travel.
There are no specific health risks. Holiday style

This trek includes two long and challenging days on Yarigatake, with some very rough and uneven trails and long, steep descents. People with weak knees or other leg or back injuries may find this very difficult and may need to miss the Yarigatake climb (at their own additional expense). In total there are 4 daywalks and 2 half-day walks when you need carry only a rucksack with personal gear for a maximum of 2 nights. We usually hike between 6-8 hours on a full day and about 4 hours on a half-day. The trails are almost always well marked but are often rough and stony underfoot. Grade 5. We spend 3 nights in mountain huts and 1 night in a ryokan with communal washing facilities.

Eating & drinking

Apart from four breakfasts and four dinners, food is not included in the price. You should allow around GBP30-40 a day to cover the cost of food and drink. It is possible to eat more cheaply than this, or to spend considerably more, depending on the standard of restaurant chosen. In many of the places we visit there are restaurants available to cater for all tastes and pockets and it is generally very easy to enjoy every aspect of Japan's excellent cuisine either as a group or on your own. Please note that vegetarian food may or may not be available at dinner time on Mt. Fuji.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want
to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

Weather & seasonality

Japan has four very separate seasons. The months of August and September bring hot and humid weather, when temperatures can reach the mid to high 30s (degC), especially in the low-lying cities of Kyoto and Tokyo. The higher into the mountains we venture, the colder it will become, with nights being especially cold, hovering around freezing on Mt. Fuji. This period also includes the typhoon season, which can bring torrential rain and strong winds.

Reviews & community

I was impressed with the friendly and helpful Japanese people. The country is very clean with spot on punctuality of busses and trains.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

On the Mount Yarigatake path the obligatory greeting of others with ‘Konichiwa’ was responded by the Japanese with a genuine warm smile. It lifted the spirit of a weary trekker.

What did you think of your group leader?

The walking speed of the group members had a large variation especially uphill. On previous trips the group stayed together. Faster walkers had to wait for slower walkers. Unusually Alexi allowed us to go ahead alone and even catch the bus back to the hotel.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It is essential to have wheels on your luggage. I recommend minimal luggage as advised in the trip notes you have to carry it on steps and when boarding busses and trains.

A walking satnav is handy for touring the cities. I used an App on my smart phone.

The path climbing Mount Fuji has some high steps. Wearing shorts makes it easier to bend your knees. Long trousers are required on the second day as it is very cold at Fuji summit.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I coped with Tokyo underground trains better than expected as the station names are shown in English as well as Japanese.

Excellent holiday, loved the military precision of the schedules between the Japanese and our Swiss Army-trained guide. Good all around itinerary and was nice to see the contrasts of Japan between Kyoto and Tokyo.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I love shrines, so visiting the on in Kyoto before we headed off to Yarigatake and then sitting under 1000 year old trees of the main Shinto Shrine at the base of Mt. Fuji the day before we went up.

What did you think of your group leader?

Rudy was a pleasure to travel with. He has done the trip for several years and was not only experienced at all things Japanese, but also all things related to the trekking and walking. He took great care of us (and me, the slowpoke!) during the entire trip.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

You won't need nearly as much as you think on the overnights or what the Trip Notes say. Pack light! And then take half out. You'll be grand.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I think the amount they say to bring is just about right. I drink less than most, so I had some money left over, even after buying some hand-made solid wood geisha sandals. Take enough to be comfortable on the trip, as it is expensive and you'll want to go out and do things, like sit and drink cocktails in an underground Tokyo bar called crazy names like Jupiter and Saturn!

A thought provoking trip dispelling my preconceptions of over-crowding and over-pricing - neither is true. A great opportunity to trek in the Japanese Alps/Mounjt Fuji and savour some of the country's best natural and city attractions............ 12 days is way too short to do this justice. I shall return!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It should have been summitting Mount Fuji.........and the sunrise was indeed pleasant and it is good to have ticked the box..............but the mountain was seen at its best from the distant Japanes Alps and from the many spots around the lakes at lower levels. Mount Yarigitake was a far more enjoyable climb with a 1.5 grade scramble for the last 100m.......and much much fewer people. The evening clouds and sunlight near the summit produced a spectacular Brockenspectre (a rainbow haloed reflection of ourselves in rising moist clouds) - I've never seen one before, it lasted no more than 5 seconds, and it was fantastic...............this was my trip highlight. I also liked the Japanese sense of order, cleanliness and courtesy......and surprisingly the food..........I loved the food. The Ryokan and onsens too were memorable.

Outwith the trip I crossed over from Busan to Fukuoka, 7 days before the trip started, and my two days in Nagasaki (a very fine city) was my second highlight.

What did you think of your group leader?

Dan was efficient, knowledgable and personable - Dan lives in Japan, speaks good Japanese and has a good understanding of its history, culture and behaviours and clearly enjoys sharing it with those up for listening (not everyone listens!). He clearly likes the outdoors and is at his best around and up in the mountains. He put a lot of effort into making things run smoothly........in a country where everything works! A likeable guy. Thanks Dan.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Mount Fuji was good fun and delighted to have done it..........but in many ways this was the least enjoyable part of the trip.............and this is not a failing on Exodus's part. Trekking on Mt Fuji is limited to only around 10 weeks in the year, which means that on any one day, it probably has up to 5000 on the mountain on a narrow rocky path. This is at its worst at 3 am in the morning when all simultaenously want to reach the summit for daybreak. The sleeping arrangements on the night prior to the summit are nigh parlous and depends on who you have to share your duvet with - and four share the duvet [I pulled the shortest straw on this one for the entire chalet! I slept not a wink.]. My advice: take a sleeping bag and sleep in the common areas (not the bunks), take your thermals, earplugs and some homeopathic sleeping draught. Settle for not making the summit for daybreak........watch the sunrise 100m lower down from the summit and delay your ascent by 1 hour and the crowds will have disappeared. The crater and rim are quarrylike and disappointing - and the buildings on a 'holy' mount are shanty at best. Don't be put off.....it is worth it, just go prepared to minimise the 'night of hell' before you get up to the summit.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The Japanese people are reserved and self-contained...........but they are the most helpful people on the planet if you ask for information or assistance. Crime is largely non existent and misplaced sunglasses etc will be returned to you [where else does that happen?]. The young are the most impressive .........so well behaved and rebellion free. A well to do western country.......with none of the apparent social drawbacks endured in Europe's/USA's cities...............I couldn't work it out!

After a couple of backpacking trips to far flung places, the travel industry seemed the obvious path for Olly. Since joining Exodus, he's been fortunate enough to continue his travels on 'work' trips as often as possible. Thanks to Exodus he's developed a passion for trekking, and has been sent up Mont Blanc, Mt Toubkal, Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp, Stok Kangri, Mt Triglav, and the Inca Trail. He now resides in the Sales team.

Questions about your trip

What kind of luggage is best for Japan?

Its best to take luggage that you can carry easily on this trip because you will be need to be able to carry it on and off trains quickly. A rucksack or soft hold all would be ideal for this trip.

Dan Cockburn - Product Manager

Anything I shouldn't miss in Japan?

If you get a chance to make it to a sumo match, take it - it's usually the highlight of a lot of peoples trips! Also, when at the ryokan, don't be shy about the communal baths!

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

I've never tried Japanese food - will I cope?!

Japan is famous for its cuisine, in fact they now have more Michelin stars than France! There is such a variety when it comes to food, your leader will make sure you try as much as possible, from simple noodle dishes, to delicate dumplings, colourful sushi and tempura, to the more obscure seafood dishes that Japan produces.

Rebecca Caldicott - Japan Operations

How should I take money to Japan?

It’s best to take Yen with you, which you can either get before you travel or at the airport. I would avoid taking travelers cheques as they are often difficult to change in Japan. Japan is very much a cash based society, so its best to take as much money in cash as possible. There are a few ATM machines that will accept western cards.

Rebecca Caldicott - Japan Operations

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